I recommend using 1/2 tablespoon lemon zest when serving this with strawberries and 1 full tablespoon lemon zest when using the blueberry/raspberry combination. You can make this in minutes and serve with a bowl of any fresh fruit, all summer long. A quick answer for a hot summer. Make several hours before serving so it thickens properly.
Fresh Berries
1/2 cup sugar
1 1/2 cups half and half or whole milk
1/2 cup lemon juice
1 1/2 tbsp Clabber Girl Corn Starch
2 tbsp butter, cold and cut into bits
1/2 to 1 tbsp lemon zest, to taste*
Shortcakes
Whisk the sugar and the cornstarch in a microwaveable glass mixing bowl or a 2 or 4 cup glass measuring cup. Whisk in the milk until smooth and microwave on high for 3 1/2 minutes. Whisk again. Microwave an additional 2 or 3 times for 30-45 second intervals, whisking after each interval, until the mixture thickens to the consistency of a thin gravy or sauce. Whisk in the cold butter until completely dissolved and smooth. Fold in the desired amount of lemon zest, cover with plastic wrap pressed directly on the surface, cool and refrigerate. Will keep for at least 5 days. If some of the liquid separates, simply whisk until smooth. Serve cold or at room temperature.
Fresh Berries
1/2 cup sugar
1 1/2 cups half and half or whole milk
1/2 cup lemon juice
1 1/2 tbsp Clabber Girl Corn Starch
2 tbsp butter, cold and cut into bits
1/2 to 1 tbsp lemon zest, to taste*
Shortcakes
Whisk the sugar and the cornstarch in a microwaveable glass mixing bowl or a 2 or 4 cup glass measuring cup. Whisk in the milk until smooth and microwave on high for 3 1/2 minutes. Whisk again. Microwave an additional 2 or 3 times for 30-45 second intervals, whisking after each interval, until the mixture thickens to the consistency of a thin gravy or sauce. Whisk in the cold butter until completely dissolved and smooth. Fold in the desired amount of lemon zest, cover with plastic wrap pressed directly on the surface, cool and refrigerate. Will keep for at least 5 days. If some of the liquid separates, simply whisk until smooth. Serve cold or at room temperature.